2010 Lexus RX 350 ReviewFor the Lexus RX, 2010brings a moderately updated drivetrain. The RX 350 sports a 3.5-literV-6 with 275 horsepower (up a slight 5 hp from before), teamed to as ix-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which has an adaptive torque split for rapidly changing driving conditions. (Theres a hybrid edition covered separately as the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.) The new transmission, with its extra forward gear, also has a sport-shift mode. And with help from the new eco driving light and a careful right foot, the 2010 RX 350 can be coaxed to 18/24 mpg fuel economy. The bigger surprise is the increased powertrain noise found in the latest edition, a little unexpected in a vehicle thats taken great pride in its isolation from the road.

Options and FeaturesStandard equipment includes a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity,dual-zone climate control and ten-way power front seats. The most controversial feature in the new 2010 Lexus RX is likely to be the available “Remote Touch” controller, which Lexus compares openly to the iDrive system from BMW and Audi’s MMI. The controller is shaped more ergonomically than those click-wheel setups, and Lexus says it feels natural like a computer mouse. It can be used to control the navigation system which is mounted farther away on the dash than in prior versions for better visibility. A head-up display is also available to cut down driving distraction even more. In The Car Connection.coms experience, its far more usable and intuitive than the click-wheel iDrive clones, but its still a computer interface that can distract drivers, and can take weeks to learn to use. The RXs rear suspension is new as well, and it leads to the biggest improvement in the package: about five percent more cargo room behind the second-row seats. The area is more usefully shaped, too, and the two rows of seats continue to offer ample leg,head, and shoulder room for four adults (a third can squeeze into the middle of the second row for short trips). It helps that the RX has grown an inch or so in most directions, but the difference is only immediately obvious to your luggage.

SummaryOther options on the 2010 Lexus RX 350 will include leather seating, aside-view monitor, USB connectivity for MP3 players, a Mark Levinson sound system, a hard-drive navigation system, XM Nav Traffic, a rear-seat entertainment system, ventilated front seats, remote start, and a sport-minded suspension. Perhaps the most sought-after feature in the Lexus RX is the Lexus ownership experience; its more costly than some five-seat crossovers and not the most distinct, but Lexus has long dominated customer-satisfaction and service rankings. What you give up in driving flair, you win back in ease of ownership.